Happy holidays from CHASI! We have a lot of exciting and important projects lined up for 2026, and we can't wait to start sharing them with you. Until then, we wish everyone a restful and safe holiday break surrounded by the communities you cherish most.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the flooding events this past week. Looking to recovery, we offer our complete report on community response/recovery to the 2021 floods. It is available to all at blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/after-... Questions on our findings welcome — please email [email protected]

Today’s CHASIcast marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on the anniversary of the Polytechnique Montréal killings. Megan Capp joins us to speak about her work on intimate partner violence and the advocacy needed today. blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/chasicast-20

Today, CHASI presented Dr. James Mandigo (@ufvpresident.bsky.social) with a gift in thanks for his commitment to Changemaking and his leadership in centering that vision at UFV: framed artwork created by graphic recorder Melissa Kendzierski reflecting our community's vision of Changemaking.

On Thursday, November 20, we invite you to join us for a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil on the UFV Abbotsford campus. This vigil is a time to mourn the dead and fight for the living — to remember those whose lives were lost to anti-trans violence and to stand together in solidarity and hope.

A huge congratulations to Dr. Tracy Ryder Glass, who has been named @goufv.bsky.social UFV’s new Provost and Vice-President, Academic. We are incredibly thankful for all of the support she has provided over the past years, and are excited to see what the future holds!

HAPPENING TOMORROW! | On November 4, Shel Stefan, Associate Professor, School of Arts, presents an open lecture on their research trip exploring themes of queer and trans resilience at Chicago's 2SLGBTQIA+ museums and archives. @ufvchasihub.bsky.social @ufvpresident.bsky.social

SAVE THE DATE | On November 4, Shel Stefan, Associate Professor, School of Arts, presents an open lecture on their research trip exploring themes of queer and trans resilience at Chicago's 2SLGBTQIA+ museums and archives.

What role can firefighters play as public health educators? Our colleagues at the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council share an approach in their new guest article. Read more: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/1... Participate in the survey for Indigenous community members: redc.phri.ca/redcap/surve...

"Welcome to Palestine" by CHASI artist-in-residence and UFV student Sharon Strauss. Sharon writes: "I hope that someday the Palestinian people can live and thrive in their homeland, free of war and oppression."

Thank you to The Cascade for speaking to Dr. Brett Pardy about his experiences teaching at the Pacific Institution. We're proud to have played a role facilitating this project, and always love hearing how meaningful it's been for both students and instructors. ufvcascade.ca/ufv-course-b...

🎉 Big news from UFV! We’re proud to share that the University of the Fraser Valley has been officially named a Changemaker Campus by Ashoka U — joining a global network of institutions committed to systems change, social innovation, and community-rooted learning.

We are incredibly excited to share this news — CHASI has been proud to help lead UFV in the process to earn this prestigious recognition. @goufv.bsky.social

How do fire services balance the complex needs of providing effective and timely to a wide geographical area? Drawing from CHASI's analyses, the NIFSC explores a data-driven approach to finding optimal locations that best serve Indigenous communities across Canada. blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

CHASI had the privilege of sitting down with the Honourable Jessie Sunner, B.C.'s Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills during her recent visit to UFV. Read more: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

We've been incredibly proud to facilitate this collaboration between @goufv.bsky.social and the Correctional Service of Canada. We look forward to continuing to bring these eager learners together with exceptional instructors! Learn more: blogs.ufv.ca/blog/2025/08...

🌻 The August edition of the Research Office Newsletter is hitting your mailboxes now. Didn't get it? Check your junk folder, or sign up & view previous editions here. 👉 bit.ly/ResearchNewsSignUp

Today's guest article from the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council looks at how Indigenous knowledge and controlled burns can reduce the overall destruction of wildfires in Canada. Read it on CHASI's blog: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

It's been 4 years since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan and began imposing a regime of gender apartheid. These discriminatory systems have dire consequences for all Afghans, particularly for women and girls who are deprived of their fundamental rights, from education to free movement.

Abbotsford News featured a fantastic write-up of Dr. James Mandigo (@ufvpresident.bsky.social) and his vision for UFV as a "positive changemaker for the region." We're excited to work with Dr. Mandigo to help make the vision a reality! Read it at www.abbynews.com/e-editions?i... (turn to page 15).

This latest guest post from our colleagues at the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council explores critical tools and strategies to put human lives above monetary concerns. Read more: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

To mark the final day of #DisabilityPrideMonth, CHASI presents a new piece from CHASI artist-in-residence Sharon Strauss: “In spite of it all, I’m proud I’m me” You can read Sharon's reflection on the personal significance of this piece here: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

The deadliest threats to firefighters often emerge long after the sirens have faded, according to our latest guest post from our colleagues at the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

August marks four years since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. Please join us at noon on Thursday, August 14 for our third annual walkout of UFV's Abbotsford campus in solidarity with the women of Afghanistan. For information or questions, please contact [email protected].

On June 25, UFV celebrated Pride with the third annual Tea Dance — with this year featuring Drag Musical Bingo hosted by UFV’s own Colin Alda Monsters! The event was hosted and organized by UFV Office of Sustainability and CHASI, with support from UFV Faculty & Staff Association.

Earlier this month, CHASI opened our doors to commemorate five years of serving our communities alongside our many partners to mix, mingle, and enjoy our new art exhibition! You can see more details and pictures are on our blog: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

Congratulations to all of our new graduates! 🎈 All of these fantastic members of the CHASI team — past and present — officially earned their credentials this week: 🎓 Holly Cooper 🎓 Ava Hedblom 🎓 Emma Hones 🎓 Amrit Mahal 🎓 Mayu Ochi 🎓 Chloe Raible 🎓 Bethany Zimmerman

We're thrilled to be teaming up with Sustainable UFV, UFV's Pride Collective, and the Faculty & Staff Association to bring the Tea Dance back for a third year, this time paired with Drag Musical Bingo. Join us June 25 for this free, fun, and inclusive event! www.eventbrite.ca/e/ufv-drag-m...?

UFV students: we want to hear about your experiences with community at the our university! We're looking for people to participate in our upcoming focus groups. If you'd like to participate, please scan the QR code in this post or visit: forms.office.com/pages/respon...

How can we work towards a better society in difficult times? The CHASIcast is pleased to welcome back Dr. Rita Dhungel, joined this time by Chelsea Klassen, CHASI's lead researcher. Listen on your favourite podcast app, or at blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/chasicast-19

Sumas First Nation is delighted to share some highlights from our Annual Emergency Preparedness Fair! The Sumas First Nation Emergency Preparedness Fair is an annual event held to offer education and awareness about emergency preparedness.

For National AccessAbility Week 2025 (May 25-31), CHASI Artist-In-Residence sought to represent the experience of people with disabilities in two new pieces. Read more on our blog: blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0... #CHASI #UFV #UnivsersityOfTheFraserValley #Accessibility #NationalAccessAbilityWeek2025

Fire prevention must be tailored, multi-pronged, and rooted in equity if it is to be effective — especially in communities most at risk. CHASI is partnering with the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council to share their articles about their critical work. blogs.ufv.ca/chasi/2025/0...

A great and informative thread to understand why it's so critical to continue advocating vocally and visibly for equity in our school systems.

It’s National AccessAbility Week. This week is a time to celebrate the contribution, achievements, and leadership of people living with disabilities and it is also a time acknowledge that ongoing work and support from all of us is needed to remove the barriers and increase accessibility for everyone

A massive congratulations to CHASI intern and UFV student Madison McKenzie: As part of team B.C., she brought home the silver medal from the 2025 National Para Hockey Championship! We're so excited to see her have such success in the sport, and to see where it takes her next!

May 17 is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. CHASI artist Sharon Strauss created this art to mark the observance. Now is the time to make your voice heard, and your support of the Queer community visible, unwavering, and undeniable. 🏳️‍🌈💜🏳️‍⚧️ #IDAHOBIT2025 #IDAHOBIT

For five years CHASI has worked closely with not only community partners but a wonderful group of students, staff, faculty associates, and others here at UFV. Here are just a few of the many people that have helped CHASI feel like a family while making meaningful impacts in our communities!

Thank you to SIRC for this wonderful article! Dr. Iris Lesser and her team do fantastic work creating these resources for new mothers. CHASI supported their work creating the photos and videos, and is incredibly proud to be combating myths about postpartum movement. sirc.ca/articles/the...

Thank you to the Canadian Federation of University Women's BC Council for inviting our director, Dr. Martha Dow, to speak alongside Dr. Lenore Newman as keynote speakers at your AGM! And our appreciation as well to the Abbotsford News for their coverage. www.abbynews.com/community/fe...

Today marks 15 years of Red Dress Day. We honour MMIWG2S and call for reflection and action. The 231 Calls for Justice remain largely unmet. Learn more: buff.ly/cUPyIZ9 If this day brings up difficult feelings, know you are not alone. UFV students can book an appointment with Counselling Services.

We had a blast celebrating CHASI's 5th birthday yesterday with some of our friends and colleagues. Thank you to everyone who dropped by to share birthday wishes (and cake) with us! 🎈